Ten Things You Should Know About Dating A Dog Owner

Despite the terror that is dating today (how many dating apps do you have on your phone?), you have finally found someone that you think could be “the one.” They’re smart, funny, have a great smile — and they happen to have a dog. Dating a dog owner is kind of one of the best things in the world, but there definitely are some things you should know before dating someone with a dog:

1. They Are In Things For The Long Run

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Think about it. This person has already committed to owning and caring for another living creature for the next 10-15 years of their life. They’re not going to completely panic when you expect a certain level of faithfulness.

2. They Know That Things Can Get Messy

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Anyone who owns a dog has experienced knocked over trashcans, torn up shoes, and a myriad of other doggy-induced messes. Dog owners know how to handle sticky situations — like literally, they just cleaned up a spilled container of peanut butter thanks to their adorable pup. Luckily for you, this patience and ability to roll with the punches often translates into their relationship with you as well.

3. They Expect You To Love Their Dog As Much As They Do

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When things start to get serious between you and this dog owner, you can expect an exponential increase in texts, photos, and videos sent to you pertaining to their dog. If things get to the “forever” stage, they may even refer to you as their pup’s “mommy” or “daddy.” You are now a part of their pack, and they couldn’t be happier to share it with you.

4. Best. Snugglers. Ever.

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You know who your flame was spooning before you entered the picture? Their dog. Every dog owner does it. To a dog owner, it is perfectly acceptable to be snuggling with both you and their dog when it comes to hanging out on the couch and going to bed. Accept the snuggle love.

5. They Like To Go Exploring

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Most dog owners get tired of walking around the same block, so they find new and exciting places to exercise their pup. Naturally, you will go on these adventuresome walks with them, during which they will take a photo of you and their pup and plaster it on every social media platform. Embrace it.

6. They Can Pick Up On Subtleties

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Before they met you, your prince charming was already caring for another living creature. They became attuned to what each little whimper, yelp, and body movement meant their dog needed. Don’t be surprised when your puppy-owning boyfriend seems to instinctively know when you are upset, frustrated, or feeling romantic; they’ve been communicating with someone who doesn’t talk. Body language is kind of their thing.

7. There Will Be Times When Their Dog Comes First

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Those times are almost all of the time. This dog has been in their life long before you were, and has probably seen them with other romantic partners. Date nights may be cancelled because their pup is sick. They may ask you to stay at their house more often because that is where their dog is comfortable. This may be trying at points, and if you find yourself spiraling into a weird jealous rage, remember that this is a dog. Even if your beau puts their pup first, you are still the first human in their lives.

8. They Plan In Advance

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Dog owners plan in advance because they have to. Spur of the moment weekend trips or spontaneous sleepovers may be out of the question due to their pup. This isn’t a negative trait, though. Dog owners know how to take responsibility, and this is something that will benefit your relationship as well.

9. But They Still Know How To Have Fun

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Studies have shown that dog owners tend to be more social and outgoing than cat owners. Just because your squeeze owns a dog doesn’t mean they are tethered to them 24/7. They’ll show you they can be an animal too with their outrageous dance moves and creative date nights.

10. They Love Unconditionally

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Dog owners love their slobbery, mess making, food snatching, yelping dogs more than anything else in the world. No matter what trouble their dog gets into, they still love them unconditionally. In a not-so-strange coincidence, this ability to love unconditionally will make its way into your relationship as well. There is nothing better in the world than being completely loved and accepted by someone. Just ask your beau’s dog.

What other things are important for people to know when dating a dog person?